World News Briefs -- January 7, 2019 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: White House says Trump position unchanged as Syria withdrawal plans slow

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House sought to make the case on Monday that President Donald Trump had not changed his position on withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria, a day after his national security adviser outlined conditions for a withdrawal that could take months.

Trump’s abrupt announcement last month that he was bringing home the roughly 2,000 troops in Syria, saying they had succeeded in their mission to defeat Islamic State there, sparked concern among officials in Washington and allies abroad and prompted Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to resign.

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MIDDLE EAST

US pullout from Syria to be done in 'prudent' way: Trump.

US, Turkey set for negotiations on fate of Kurds.

Bolton heads to Turkey to hammer out a deal for Syria's Kurds.

Bolton: No troop withdrawal from Syria until ISIS contained, Kurds protected. US won't pull out of Syria without protection for Kurds, national security advisor John Bolton says.

US will 'assure' Israel's security before Syria pullout.

Israel carries out overnight air strikes on Gaza.

Palestinians vow hunger strikes if Israel worsens jail conditions.

Saudi teen seeks asylum, barricades herself in Thai airport.

Khamenei aide says U.S. approached him in Kabul seeking talks with Iran.

ASIA

Reports: Kim Jong Un may be on way to China for summit.

Taiwan arrests BASF engineers for 'leaking tech' to China.

Thousands protest citizenship bill in India's Assam.

Roadside bomb, Taliban attacks kill 27 across Afghanistan.

China says UN officials can visit Xinjiang as long as they ‘avoid interfering in domestic matters’.

US Navy ship sails in disputed South China Sea amid US-China trade talks in Beijing. US warship sails near disputed Paracels in South China Sea as trade talks under way in Beijing.

China lodges ‘stern' warning over US warship in S China Sea - reports.

Southeast Asia has major doubts about US reliability in the region, but still wary of China: survey.

US and North Korea negotiating location for second summit - Trump. U.S. and North Korean officials met in Hanoi to discuss second Trump-Kim summit: South Korean newspaper.

Dozens killed in Afghan gold mine collapse.

AFRICA

Nigeria's Buhari hands key colleague re-election role.

Pro-Bashir rally as Sudan says 800 protesters arrested.

Gabon rebel chief caught, two killed in failed coup: presidency.

Gabon detains soldiers after failed coup.

Somalia military court executes two Al-Shabaab assassins.

Pressure mounts on DR Congo to announce election outcome.

DR Congo delays release of presidential election results. DRC election result delayed as half the votes remain uncounted.

Sudan arrests Khartoum University lecturers amid fresh protests.

Nigeria military raids newspaper, seizes computers and arrests journalists. Nigeria raids paper, arrests journalists over Boko Haram coverage.

CBS broadcasts Sisi interview despite Egypt request not to air it.

Egypt policeman killed defusing bomb near Coptic church.

Egypt opens Middle East's largest cathedral, mega-mosque.

EUROPE

France to toughen sanctions on undeclared protests, PM says.

EU looks at help for May, but will not rework Brexit deal.

Britain testing ‘no-deal’ scenario as Brexit vote nears.

Brexit: EU to reassure May with pledge for trade deal by 2021.

Brexit: Date for vote on Theresa May's deal confirmed.

British PM warns of 'uncharted territory' if Brexit deal rejected.

Russia says it's too early to consider swap after mutual arrests.

“Security researcher” dumps files of German chancellor, legislators, bloggers.

Anger over Greece's crowdfunding plea to buy new warships.

French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin on trial over abuse cover-up.

AMERICAS

Mexico fuel theft crackdown sparks shortages, puts government on defensive.

Trump plans border visit as shutdown lurches into 3rd week.

Trump considers declaring national emergency to build border wall.

Democrats plan more pressure on Trump to reopen government.

Venezuela congress names new leader, calls Nicolas Maduro illegitimate.

Venezuela's Maduro defends rule as legitimate.

Former Venezuelan Supreme Court judge flees to US, denounces Nicolas Maduro.

Brazil deploys troops to stop violence in Fortaleza.

Russian arrested in Northern Mariana Islands, accused of unlicensed defense exports.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

IS suicide bomber kills 5 in Syria's Raqa: monitor.

2 Americans captured in Syria fighting for ISIS.

Trump confirms the US military has killed the terror mastermind behind the deadly USS Cole bombing that ended the lives of 17 American sailors.

John Bolton: US to leave Syria once ISIL beaten, Kurds safe.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Amazon and Netflix push Wall Street higher.

US-China officials begin trade war talks in Beijing.

Stock markets lose shine as focus turns to US-China tensions.

Central banks, U.S. employers support world stocks.